Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid

Council Elections:
Mike Finn Declines to Run for Council

Well known Fremantle businessman and committee member of the Fremantle Society Mike Finn (above looking out of his Market Street premises) has withdrawn from his intention to run for City Ward in the upcoming October local election.

The coming election is vital for the future of Fremantle given the financial problems and damage to heritage caused by the current council.

The mayor and six councillors are up for re-election. The Fremantle Society has worked long and hard to research issues, make submissions, lobby for high quality development, and encourage people to be involved in local politics.

At the moment Ra Stewart appears to be the only person willing to run for mayor against Dr Pettitt. In North Ward at least one person will be running against incumbent Doug Thompson, while in South Ward Liam Carter (Green) is interested in running against Cr Sullivan (former Green). The mayor is supporting former mayor Jenny Archibald to run in East Ward to replace Cr Coggin (Labour) and Fedele Camarda intends running against Cr Fitzhardinge (Labour) in Beaconsfield. In Hilton, Fremantle Society committee member Catherine Hammond will run against Cr Wainright (Socialist).

In City Ward Claudia Green (not a Green) was first out of the blocks to run the election race. Mike Finn, longtime businessman in Fremantle running Kakulas Sisters, expressed interest. Now, according to Cr Sullivan, the mayor is getting Linda Wayman to run. And Adin Lang could run as well.

Unfortunately, the keyboard warriors have written so much inaccurate and conspiratorial material about the election manoeverings, and upset so many people, that Mike has decided he has better things to do and will not run.

A major problem in Fremantle is the apathy of voters, the lack of candidates, and the low voter turnout. People should be encouraged to run, of whatever background or philosophy, but social media now seems to encourage personal attacks and wild speculation. Most people have enough to do in their day keeping a job and looking after their family without entering a Roman Circus.

The Fremantle Society was delighted when Claudia Green became the first to show interest in running in City Ward and we said so. But, the Fremantle Society has never formally endorsed Claudia Green. Two Fremantle Society committee members decided to run (Mike Finn in City and Catherine Hammond in Hilton).

This does not mean the Fremantle Society will not support other candidates, whether they are members of the Society or not.

The Fremantle Society has repeatedly asked for member’s views, and again we ask if you have specific issues you feel candidates should support and focus on.

The mayor and his big team have been campaigning for months already even if you havent noticed it. Just don’t drink the Kool-Aid.